Gunsmithing How to protect blue finish barrel in lathe?

[MarcS]

I have a customer that sent me an old Sako with a very nice blue finish for a muzzle brake install. This will be the first time I've worked on a blue finish barrel and I'm not sure how to protect the finish from marks left by the jaws in my lathe. I don't think lead or brass shims would be good enough but I could be wrong. I'd appreciate some advice from those of you that have done it before.

Thanks,
Marc

 

[GasLight]

Re: How to protect blue finish barrel in lathe?

I have used some masking tape, and then an aluminum shim between the jaw and the finished piece. I think if you don't over-tighten it and then take care not to hog off on the cut, you should be good.

DD

 

[colchester]

Re: How to protect blue finish barrel in lathe?

10pt cardstock works well for me.I have also used nylon or delrin to make a split bushing slide it over and chuck on the split bushing

 

[x ring accuracy]

Re: How to protect blue finish barrel in lathe?

Best action I believe is to use tape/paper/delrin/brass/ voodoo, etc but tell the customer upfront that there may be some marks from the lathe BEFORE you take on the job.

 

[MarcS]

Re: How to protect blue finish barrel in lathe?

Thanks guys I think I'll try wrapping the entire barrel in masking tape, then give it maybe two layers of tape where the jaws will hold it, and use some lead shims too. I did tell the customer about my concerns and my inexperience with blued guns but she is a friend and I'm doing it for free. She's fine with whatever happens.

Marc

 

[19Scout77]

Re: How to protect blue finish barrel in lathe?